An investigation into alternatives to poverty alleviation in rural communities with special reference to Molelwane Village in the Mafikeng Area of the North West

Abstract:

The major focus of this study was to investigate alternatives to poverty alleviation in rural areas (i.e. apart from what the government has offered so far) with special reference to Molelwane village in the North West Province. The cooperation between the community and the authority or stakeholders concerned has also been taken into consideration. As a result, sixty male and female respondents from Molelwane village, were tested in relation to the above mentioned research topic. Some stakeholders were also interviewed in this regard. Using data collected from both questionnaires and interviews the results showed that people of Molelwane were ready for changes which could lead to alleviating poverty in their village .<br><br> The result from questionnaires supported the prediction that unemployment is the cause of poverty in Molelwane village, i.e. 70% of respondents were unemployed. The study also revealed that most of the people of Molelwane, i.e. 90% of respondents did not finish Grade 12. This is one other factor which is contributing to unemployment of Molelwane people. Concerning issues of alternatives to alleviation, this study showed by high percentage of 70% and more that the people of Molelwane are for the idea of all items suggested which can contribute to alternatives to poverty alleviation. The only contradiction had been on the use of microloans where stakeholders interviewed agreed that villagers can manage microloans but not in the near future, after some workshops and training. The study also revealed that the people in Molelwane were willing to cooperate with anyone who could bring developments in their community be it the ward councilor, the chief external investors and any other authority from the government.<br><br> Conclusion drawn from this study then revealed that there are serious problems related to poverty in Molelwane village. And that most of the people in Molelwane are ready to accept changes brought about by alternatives to poverty alleviation. They are willing to cooperate with all the authorities for the smooth running of developments. <br><br>